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Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline

NBOMe Compounds

If you don't find what you're looking for you can always ring the DAN 24/7 helpline on 0808 808 2234 and talk confidentially to an advisor.

What does NBOMe Compounds look like?

Powder, liquid. The liquid can be used as a spray or soaked in to paper, similar to LSD, and sold in tiny squares. Commonly referred to as ?tabs? or ?blotters?, they will vary in size, shape, colour and design.

NBOMe Compounds

Scientific Names

2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]ethanamine

Generic Name

25I-NBOMe (2C-I-NBOMe, Cimbi-5)

Effects Of NBOMe Compounds

Desired Effects:

Side-Effects:

Increased heart rate, high blood pressure, agitation, unpleasant hallucinations, confusion, nausea, Insomnia, Paranoia and panic. Some users have reported highly negative effects while intoxicated and more risk of harm following use compared to other Hallucinogens such as LSD etc.

Risks

Short-term:

Aggression, seizures, significant risk of Overdose - these compounds are extremely potent and only a very small amount is needed to have an effect, therefore there is a very high risk of overdose in powder and liquid form. There have been a number of deaths reported as a result of overdose and also from accidents while under the influence.

Long-term:

Not yet known, but potentially similar to long term risks of LSD. As a relatively new compound, little is known about the risks or interaction with other drugs.

Reducing Harm

How do NBOMe Compounds work?

The NBOMe compounds are highly potent Hallucinogens which are regarded as alternatives to LSD. Effects may last 4-6 hours, but maybe longer depending on frequency of dosage.

Legal status of NBOMe Compounds

The NBOMe compounds, including their simple derivatives, are being permanently controlled as Class A drugs under the 1971 Act. Consistent with the UK's legislative appRoach to other groups of drugs, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Ketamine etc.) (Amendment) Order 2014 controls the NBOMe compounds using a generic definition with the intention that control will capture a range of compounds and therefore both current and future or foreseeable substances.

How Are NBOMe Compounds Taken?

As a powder it has been snorted up the nose, although this method is strongly advised against as there are some reports that this route of administration may have led to some deaths. In liquid form it may used on blotter paper and placed under the tongue or held in the cheeks to be absorbed through the lining of the mouth. The liquid may also be used in spray form and inhaled via the nose or mouth.

Paraphernalia

None.

Medical uses of NBOMe Compounds

None.

Where do they come from?

NBOMe compounds are synthetic chemicals derived from the phenethylamine 2C compounds (see also 2CE). It was discovered in 2003 by chemist Ralf Heim but it did not emerge as a recreational drug until 2010, when it was first sold by vendors as 'research chemicals'.

Helping services

Most areas of the UK have 'street agencies' or projects (sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams) which offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, needle exchanges and sometimes support groups and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. Some agencies offer specialist services such as counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, acupuncture and other alternative therapies and prescribing of anti-depressants, and also possible referral to residential rehabilitation. Some services have extended working hours and may offer weekend support. GPs and possibly the local hospital A&E department can make referrals to specialist drug services as well as general medical services, information and advice often in partnership with a drug agency or Drug Dependency Unit.

Parents & other relatives

Drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents of people using these drugs. Many street agencies can provide relative support groups or counselling for family members, partners etc...